On July 17th, the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA, became the epicenter of K-pop excitement as ATEEZ took the stage for their much-anticipated 2024 ATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER]. Known for their elite performance levels and dynamic stage presence, ATEEZ delivered a night to remember, solidifying their status as global superstars and “stadium artists.”
In a world where the music industry is constantly evolving, Rhea Raj is a force to be reckoned with. A pop artist, producer, and dancer, Rhea is shattering barriers and redefining what it means to be a modern-day pop icon.
The picturesque vineyards of Napa Valley set the stage for a music extravaganza like no other as the highly anticipated BottleRock Napa Valley festival returned for its 11th annual celebration this past Memorial Day weekend.
BottleRock Napa Valley’s first day was marked by the vibrant debut of 21Seeds, an infused tequila brand co-founded by sisters Kat and Nicole and their friend Sarika. The festival, renowned for its blend of music, food, and drink, provided the perfect stage for 21Seeds to showcase their unique and refreshing take on tequila.
Live music collective DARUMAS is making waves with the release of their self-titled debut album, “DARUMAS”. The electrifying trio, comprising Aldana Aguirre, Ceci Leon and Vedala Vilmond, has crafted a 7-track love letter to Latin funk, pop, and old-school charm, showcasing their diverse cultural influences and musical talents.
On Feb. 5, P1Harmony released their first official studio album “Killin’ It,” a milestone that marked a significant leap in their career. The record swiftly soared to the top spot in Korea, igniting a blazing trail that saw it climb to the peak of Billboard’s World Albums chart.
K-Pop sensation P1Harmony, the dynamic sextet known for their genre-blurring sound and captivating performances, is set to embark on their first-ever stadium tour in North America. Following the release of their highly anticipated debut studio album, “때깔 (Killin‘ It),” the group is poised to leave an indelible mark on the international music scene.
In the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop, CRAVITY stands as a beacon of youthful energy and boundless creativity. Formed by Starship Entertainment, this nine-member group– consisting of members Serim, Allen, Jungmo, Woobin, Wonjin, Minhee, Hyeongjun, Taeyoung, and Seongmin– burst onto the scene in 2020, quickly earning the moniker of “Monster Rookies.” Their meteoric rise saw them conquering global charts and winning prestigious awards, cementing their status as one of the industry’s brightest stars.
In the realm of television’s ever-evolving landscape, few actors have the ability to seamlessly transition between roles with as much finesse as Vanessa Morgan. From her breakout performances in “Finding Carter” to her iconic portrayal of Toni Topaz in “Riverdale,” Morgan has captivated audiences with her versatility and depth. Now, she takes on a new challenge in the form of “Wild Cards,” a thrilling CW series where she steps into the shoes of the enigmatic Max Mitchell.
AleXa kicks off 2024 with the release of her highly anticipated single, “sick.” This track marks a pivotal moment in AleXa’s career, following her history-making performances at iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball as the first solo Korean artist in December. Notably, AleXa exclusively performed “sick” during Jingle Ball and on The Kelly Clarkson Show before its official release date, offering a sneak peek into her new era of artistic expression.*
AleXa’s latest single, “sick,” delves deep into the complexities of a toxic relationship, resonating with audiences through its poignant exploration of self-love and worth. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, AleXa shares, “”sick” explores the inner turmoil of one side lacking self-love while feeling undeserving of the seemingly perfect partner. It’s about being blinded by rose-tinted glasses in love, unable to fully embrace the love bestowed upon oneself due to low self-worth.”
Throughout the accompanying music video, AleXa embodies the struggle depicted in “sick,” engaging in a metaphorical battle against an idealized version of her boyfriend, representing her liberation from toxic influences. This visual narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in self-discovery and the pursuit of healthy love.
Unlike any of her previous singles since her 2019 debut, “sick” sees AleXa embracing her early 2000’s pop-punk roots, drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Avril Lavigne. This evolution in her sound reflects a bold and authentic exploration of her musical identity, setting the stage for what promises to be a remarkable chapter in her career. Speaking about this transformative phase, AleXa shares, “This era of my career feels like the most authentic version of myself. “sick” is a departure from my previous releases, and I’m excited to share a side of me that is deeply connected to my pop-punk influences.” As AleXa gears up for a year of continuous artistic exploration, “sick” serves as the inaugural release leading into a series of singles throughout 2024.
Since her rise to musical stardom , AleXa’s career has been characterized by a series of groundbreaking achievements, from her multilingual debut with “Bomb” to her recent performances at prestigious events like the Asia Artist Awards and the iHeart Radio Jingle Ball. Notably, AleXa’s win at the NBC American Song Contest in 2022 solidified her status as a global sensation, further cementing her place in the music industry.
As AleXa continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of talent and charisma, her future shines bright with promise. With “sick” serving as the catalyst for a new era of artistic exploration, fans can expect nothing short of brilliance from this rising star.
AleXa’s latest single “sick” not only showcases her exceptional musical talent but also highlights her courage to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, AleXa invites audiences to join her on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, one song at a time.
Check out our exclusive interview with AleXa!
[The Knockturnal] “sick” marks a departure from your previous releases, embracing pop-punk influences. What inspired this new direction, and how do you feel it showcases your growth as an artist?
[AleXa] Growing up, I was an emo kid into a variety of alternative music. Punk music has always been near to my heart, and so delving into punk-pop was that most obvious next step for my career.
[The Knockturnal] Can you tell us about the creative process behind “sick” How did you approach writing and producing this song?
[AleXa] While I can’t provide much insight, as I am not the person who wrote “sick”, I will say that recording took several days over the span of several months. I recorded it in LA, in New York, and in Korea. It took so long to decide on the final recording.
[The Knockturnal] You performed “sick” exclusively at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball and The Kelly Clarkson Show before its official release. What was the reaction from fans and audiences, and how did these performances shape your anticipation for the song’s release?
[AleXa] I’m grateful that the general reaction has been positive and that people have been anticipating its official release. I’m always scared and hesitant before new songs are released, but I’m grateful to be taking this first step on a new path of my career.
[The Knockturnal] The music video for “sick” features powerful imagery and symbolism. What was the concept behind the video, and how do you feel it enhances the message of the song?
[AleXa] Fighting your demons, breaking those rose-tinted glasses. The music video is very visually aggressive, very fun to shoot I will say, but I feel like it could be seen as a visual metaphor for tearing down the image of someone that you may be idolizing.
[The Knockturnal] The themes in “sick” are deeply personal, exploring the complexities of toxic relationships and self-worth. What message do you hope listeners take away from the song?
[AleXa] If there’s any message to be taken away from the song, I hope that it’s the fact that self-love should be prioritized over idolizing someone you love.
[The Knockturnal] Winning NBC’s American Song Contest with “Wonderland” must have been a significant moment for you. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how it felt to represent your home state of Oklahoma on such a big stage?
[AleXa] In the instance of “Wonderland”, we wanted to create a song that would have appeal to a general American audience, but still have the KPOP flair. It was a very joyous and emotionally draining occasion, but nonetheless, it is a precious memory that I cherish. If I had to do it all over again, I would. It was one of the most fun experiences of my life.
[The Knockturnal] As someone with roots in both American and Korean culture, how do you navigate the cultural differences and similarities in your music and performances?
[AleXa] The only true difference is the language. No matter where you go, fans are fans, people who enjoy music, enjoy music, no matter what language it’s in.
[The Knockturnal] As the first Korean solo artist to perform at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball, you’ve broken barriers and achieved significant milestones. How do you navigate the pressures and expectations that come with being a trailblazer in the industry?
[AleXa] All I can do is work hard to be the best version of myself that is needed. Every performance leaves me with a desire to become even better for the next stage that I stand on.
[The Knockturnal] What are the top 5 songs on your playlist right now?
[AleXa] I would say: “Dragula” by Rob Zombie, “Affection” by Chrissy Chlapecka, “GLOW” by Snow Wife, “Lie With You” by Ten, and obviously, “sick” by AleXa 😉
[The Knockturnal] Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you in 2024, both musically and in other creative endeavors?
[AleXa] Expect even better music, more stunning music videos, and hopefully a worldwide outreach through touring.
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